No cold calling zones launch in Portishead and Pill

 

 

 

DOORSTEP salesmen are being warned they are not welcome in Portishead and Pill  - with the launch of a number of no cold calling zones.

Portishead neighbourhood policing team has been working with local residents and Trading Standards for several months on the project to make 22 streets - covering around 4,000 properties -  in Portishead and Pill no go areas for doorstep callers.

Each property has been given a sticker to display in their windows informing cold callers they are not welcome and new warning have been signs put up at all entrances to the village.

Only charity collectors, election candidates and religious groups are still allowed to call on residents.

Every resident in the selected streets has received a letter explaining the initiative, asking them to sign up.

The stickers contain details of who to call if an unwanted caller appears on their doorstep.

If the salesperson refuses to leave, then the homeowner can call the police and the caller can be arrested.

The project has been funded by Trading Standards and Avon and Somerset Police's asset recovery fund.

Areas now covered by the scheme include Chesle Way, Millers Close, Moorgate and Newhaven Road.

The new cold calling zones were launched as part of Avon and Somerset Police's Rogue Trader week and follow on from the launch of a similar scheme in Portbury earlier this month.

The initiative has been led by Portishead police community support officer, Debbie Charman.

PCSO Charman said: "The location of Portishead and Pill and their closeness to the M5 motorway roundabout made both areas an ideal place to set up such a scheme.

"Villages with close motorway links are more at risk from crimes from unwanted and dubious doorstep callers as they can make a quicker exit.

"We have had a number of cold calling incidents in the area from people offering gardening and tarmacing services.

"A number of residents we contacted came forward and said they thought their streets would benefit from becoming no cold calling zones.

"We hope that by homeowners displaying these stickers and the new signs it will give a clear message to cold callers that they are not welcome in these areas."

There are now plans to create further no cold calling zones in other villages and towns in the district.

Portishead resident Adrian Bailey, 66, lives in Woodside Gardens which is one of the roads now covered by the scheme.

Mr Bailey said: "The initiative will benefit local residents in reducing the incidence of bogus callers, rogue traders and distraction burglaries in selected vulnerable neighbourhoods.

"It will give confidence to homeowners to say no to unwanted callers."

It is likely that town and parish councils will be asked for funding to help police to expand the initiative.